Minister Ranne: Finland plays an active role in safeguarding shipping in the Baltic Sea

Finland is actively involved in international efforts to keep shipping and the marine environment safe in the Baltic Sea.

‘Finland is working in different areas to provide security to shipping and the marine environment in the Baltic Sea. We are also further intensifying cooperation with other like-minded Baltic states. Through our cooperation, we ensure that the Baltic Sea, which is central to Finland’s security of supply, remains safe for shipping,’ says Lulu Ranne, Minister of Transport and Communications.

Sanctions on the maritime transport of crude oil from Russia have led to oil being transported on older vessels and under a weaker insurance cover. This increases the risk of oil spills in the Baltic Sea. Winter conditions and transports through ice increase safety risks if the vessel is older and in poor condition.

On 16 December 2024, Finland signed a statement on the so-called Russian shadow fleet. In addition to Finland, the statement was signed by Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden and the United Kingdom.

Since 11 December 2024, Finland has been requesting insurance information from tankers operating in the Baltic Sea. All tankers transporting crude oil and petroleum products from Russia are asked for insurance in the Finnish exclusive economic zone.

Finland contributes to maritime safety in various forums, such as the EU, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).

Over the past year in EMSA, Finland has been highlighting the importance of European oil spill response for the state of the Baltic Sea. In the June meeting of the EMSA Board of Directors in Lisbon, Finland together with Sweden and Estonia organised an event to highlight the situation in the Gulf of Finland and the importance of preparing for oil spills also in icy conditions. Based on the event, discussions have continued in the EMSA Board of Directors and in other contacts between EU Member States.

‘I am satisfied with the discussions we have had and the reception of our important message so far. A major oil spill in the Gulf of Finland in winter would be a huge disaster that we must also prepare for at the European level,’ Minister Ranne emphasises.

Finland’s goal is for EMSA to open a call for tenders to obtain a European-funded oil spill response vessel to the northern Baltic Sea.

Inquiries:

Requests for interviews with Minister Ranne:
Tuomas Sorsa, Special Adviser, tel. +358 29 534 2012, [email protected] 

shadow fleet:
Tiina Ranne, Senior Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 29 534 2036, [email protected]

EMSA's oil spill response capacity:
Eero Hokkanen, Ministerial Adviser, tel. +358 29 534 2021, [email protected]